Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ACMGAS102A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Catch and handle a range of quiet animals

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ACMGAS102A - Catch and handle a range of quiet animals
Description This unit of competency covers the techniques required to approach, catch and handle a range of quiet, well-handled domestic animals under supervision.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This is an introductory unit for those with little or no animal handling experience in commercial or professional settings with the emphasis on handling quiet, well-handled domestic animals under supervision.In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all units of competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Identify and describe animals
  • Points of external body parts and features of animals are identified by name and location.
  • Animals are described using common industry terminology.
  • Individual animals are identified and described using specific characteristics and descriptions.
       
Element: Prepare to catch animals
  • OHS risks associated with catching animals are evaluated.
  • Signs of confident and relaxed behaviour are identified in animals.
  • Signs of fear and distress are identified in animals and reported.
  • Catching and handling equipment are identified and prepared for use.
       
Element: Catch and move quiet animals
  • Behaviour signals are assessed prior to approaching animals.
  • Catching technique is selected for nominated animals.
  • Quiet animals are approached and caught.
  • Secured animals are moved to required location for treatment or inspection.
       
Element: Assist in restraining or handling animals
  • Risks associated with handling animals during inspections and treatment are identified.
  • Approved basic handling methods are practised on quiet animals under supervision.
  • Assistance is provided during inspection and treatment of animals.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

identify individual animals

identify the potential risk factors for animal and human safety and wellbeing when approaching and handling animals

select catching and handling techniques to minimise the risk of injury or distress

use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills when approaching, catching or handling quiet domestic animals

assist in the control of animals during animal care routines or activities

follow supervisor instructions and work as part of a team.

The skills and knowledge required to catch and handle a range of quiet animals must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed in an animal care workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions. Workplaces can include pet shops, breeding or boarding kennels and catteries, aviaries, companion animal training, grooming establishments, domestic animal zoos, mobile animal facilities and veterinary practices.

There must be accessto a range of quiet, well-handled domestic animals as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when handling animals, materials and equipment

follow workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control in the catching and handling of animals

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

observe and report domestic animal behaviour

participate in arrangements for maintaining the health and safety of all people and animals in the workplace

prepare materials, tools and equipment for catching and handling animals

use equipment and materials correctly and in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

oral communication skills/language to fulfill the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds

problem-solving skills to select required equipment and prioritise tasks

use safe and approved animal handling techniques.

Required knowledge

animal temperaments and behaviours in order to develop an understanding of the associated hazards and risks

basic awareness of natural animal behaviour relating to the characteristics of the species, age, health status and social needs

hazards associated with handling animals and control measures

housing, exercise, social and activity needs of domestic animals

principles of animal welfare and ethics

occupational health and safety (OHS) and animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice

safe animal handling techniques and procedures

safe work practices

terminology used to identify animals and describe their behaviour.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Animals may include:

quiet, well-handled domestic animals:

cats

dogs

birds

non-venomous reptiles and amphibians.

Reasons that require staff to identify animals may include:

carrying out supervisors instructions related to catching under supervision and assisting in the handling of animals

developing the skills required to describe animals using industry terminology as well as common terms

developing the skills required to notice differences between animals for future skill development in:

catching, handling and moving the correct animal unsupervised

ensuring feeding, medications and other treatment are provided to the correct animal

making observations of behaviour and health symptoms in individual animals.

Specific characteristics of animals may include:

age, sex and size

coat or skin colours and texture

eye colour

markings, patterns and permanent scars

toe nail colour

microchip, ear tags, tattoos and markings and leg bands.

OHS risks when working with animals may include:

animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

zoonoses.

Catching and handling equipment may include:

cages, yards, pens and bags

collars, leads, halters and harnesses

treats and toys.

Behavioural signs may include:

indicators of stress:

aggressive behaviour

subdued behaviour

trembling

vocalisation

confidence and willingness to be approached gestures:

relaxed body tone and tail wagging

standing still or remaining sitting or laying down when approached

defensive gestures:

defending territory, other animals or food

growling, barking, hissing and spitting

hair on topline being raised

lunging forward

pecking

striking out with paws

submissive gestures:

lowering body

rolling onto back

tail between legs

turning away from handler.

Catching technique may include:

calling animal by name

encouraging animal to approach by offering a treat

quietly approaching animal, slipping on collar and attaching lead or catching and holding animal with hands

running animal into a small enclosure.

Basic handling may include:

using hands to:

assist supervisor during application of treatments or other care activities

prevent animal moving away during inspection

separate animal from others

carrying animals

grooming animals for cleaning or brushing when de-knotting.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Points of external body parts and features of animals are identified by name and location. 
Animals are described using common industry terminology. 
Individual animals are identified and described using specific characteristics and descriptions. 
OHS risks associated with catching animals are evaluated. 
Signs of confident and relaxed behaviour are identified in animals. 
Signs of fear and distress are identified in animals and reported. 
Catching and handling equipment are identified and prepared for use. 
Behaviour signals are assessed prior to approaching animals. 
Catching technique is selected for nominated animals. 
Quiet animals are approached and caught. 
Secured animals are moved to required location for treatment or inspection. 
Risks associated with handling animals during inspections and treatment are identified. 
Approved basic handling methods are practised on quiet animals under supervision. 
Assistance is provided during inspection and treatment of animals. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMGAS102A - Catch and handle a range of quiet animals
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ACMGAS102A - Catch and handle a range of quiet animals

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: